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Transcript
Strike Marketing owners Joe Pogge and Shari Okin decided that the Heights was a great location for their business, which provides strategic marketing, media place-ment, event marketing and pub-lic relations to clients in greater Houston.
“We like the personality, char-acter and people of the Heights,” Pogge said. “It’s very easy access to Houston. We’re very fortunate to have found this building.”
Strike opened in 2004 with the partnership of Pogge and Okin, two longtime marketing profes-sionals. The company, which has a total of five employees, was previ-ously located at Kirby & 59, before setting up at 906 Rutland.
“We were looking for the kind of space that defined who we are,” Okin said. “The Heights is a great spot to be. Every year, it’s growing.
Strike’s clients include the Houston Symphony, Houston Zoo, Bayou City Arts Festival and The United Way. For many years, Strike -- and its predecessor Pogge Marketing -- handled all of the Houston Texans’ non-sports mar-keting.
In 2011 and 2012, Strike did the non-sports marketing for the NCAA Final Four -- the first time
an outside agency handled it. They also promoted the opening of BBVA Compass Stadium, home to the Major League Soccer Houston Dynamo.
Both Pogge and Okin have backgrounds in sports marketing, but their current client list doesn’t include athletics.
Pogge, a University of Houston alum, was part of the team that built the Houston Aeros’ minor league hockey franchise, and Okin, a Houston native who gradu-ated from the University of Texas, worked for the NBA’s International Marketing office in New York.
“Both of our careers have been
about events, get(ting) people to react to message and buy a ticket,” Pogge said.
Pogge also co-hosts a weekly golf show on 610 AM radio with sportscaster Matt Musil.
They each have backgrounds in music and concert promotion. Pogge started 93Q, when it was a Top 40 station, and Mix 96. He also helped put together a couple of Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Family Picnics.
Okin worked for Pace Concerts, which is now Live Nation, in its Broadway division.
The business partnership works because they combine strengths for a growing company, they say. Pogge has a lot of contacts and creativity, while Okin is the com-pany’s “numbers” person.
Strike plans to grow within the Houston area and beyond. They currently have one international client, OilCareers.com, which is based in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Page 1B • The Leader • May 4, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com
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Establishing a brick and mortar business in the same community in which they live is a win-win proposition for many in Leader neighborhoods.
For Heights residents and Wonderwild co-owners Deborah Helman and Kayla Cory, the decision to locate their indoor playground on Shepherd Drive just north of I-10 was an easy one.
In 2009, both women had two boys each, all under age 5. As they scouted potential loca-tions, they didn’t stray too far from home.
“We didn’t want to sit in traffic,” said Cory. Frida Mexican Kitchen’s Diana Davila al-
ready had one restaurant, La Casa de Frida, on North Main. After its two-year anniversary, she and partners Chef Linda Plascencia and broth-er Art Aguilar started searching for a second location. They ended up at Ella Plaza near her home in Oak Forest.
“Our initial search led us down 290 [in the] Cypress area and Pearland because of the population boom,” she said. “That all quickly changed when I moved into the neighbor-hood.”
Davila saw opportunity here because of a lack of healthy dining out options for families. There was some initial hesitation because the Ella location is fairly close to the one on Main, but as Davila said, “the more we talked about it the more sense it made to all of us.”
The Posh Petal’s Ann Brock, who used to own a florist shop in Rice Village, was similarly inspired by her move to the area. “We’d been looking for a house for two years, and after visiting a friend here my husband told me that he’d found the coolest neighborhood.”
Once ensconced in the community, Brock knew she wanted her floral company here, too.
She looked at different office parks before settling upon her 34th Street location in 2011. Initially it was just Brock and an office man-ager, but now she has a staff of five.
“At first I just had the [florist] shop in the back. We ran out of room in six months,” Brock said. After a year, she added a small gift shop and is currently working on ways to expand in her current space. She doesn’t want to move.
Brock has grown close to other nearby busi-ness owners. Oak Forest Veterinary Clinic, Rice Chiropractic Clinic, and Doyle’s Restaurant are all in her immediate vicinity. “We all keep an eye out for each other,” she said.
Managing GrowthDavila had an eye on expansion when she
decided on Ella Plaza, which in recent years had seen a decline in tenants and developed a rundown appearance. She and her partners have spent a lot of time and money to achieve an appealing aesthetic for the space, both in-side and out.
“We knew that it would be up to us to make the most of our new space,” she said. “We were and are still determined to make sure Ella Plaza becomes a blossoming flower for the commu-nity, even if it’s one suite at a time.”
In 2011, when Helman and Cory decided to add another Wonderwild location, they did so in The Woodlands.
“We looked at Sugar Land, too,” said Cory, “but found that The Woodlands was actually a shorter drive and more business friendly.”
Both locations are open seven days a week. Helman and Cory take a divide-and-conquer approach with one of them at either place during the week. Helman said that while The Woodlands location has been a success, the ex-tra workload has also made them reflective.
“We have big dreams,” Helman said. “It’s important to both of us to balance work and family life.”
Juggling two locations has also kept Davila on her toes. She says that ensuring food con-sistency and quality are equal at both places, as well as training new staff, are challenges and priorities.
“We heard our customers loud and clear in our first few weeks - slow kitchen service and fair wait staff service, but great food,” she said. “It is comments like these that keep me at Frida’s longer hours making sure orders are accurate and swift, [and that there is the] best service overall from the moment a customer walks in.”
A 24/7 jobIf there is any downside to having a business
close to home, it is the inability to ever truly disengage from work.
Brock says that people know her from her business, and while that’s an asset, it also re-sults in a little less privacy.
“I grew up in a small town,” she said. “It reminds me of getting dressed up to go to Walmart because you’d always see someone
Pros and cons of doing business at homeby Betsy Denson
Strike Marketing owners Shari Okin, left, and Joe Pogge, moved their com-pany to 906 Rutland in the Heights recently. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter)
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Even experts can learn. Reid Middlebrooks, a building engineering consultant, learned how to pack more business into a work-week by “growing beyond yourself.”
That concept was one of many practical management-boosting take-aways Middlebrooks encountered when participating in Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Business Program at Houston Community College.
Middlebrooks of Heights-based Apollo BBC had been in business for fi ve years and realized that as an engineering expert, he was in demand but limited in his ability to bill for his time; there were only so many hours in the day and week. “I could only grow so much,” he said.
Because of his coursework, Middlebrooks altered the company’s ser-vices to include “process consulting” so that staff with related skills and expertise could be deployed to clients throughout their construction projects, he said. The company now employs 10.
Middlebrooks was part of the small business program’s inaugural group in May 2011. Initially, he was reluctant to apply and participate due to the intensive, three-month time commitment. But the high level education and CEO-training proved intriguing, and the hands-on ap-proach useful, he said. He found the program’s leadership and manage-ment content, which covered negotiating and ways to seek fi nancing, especially relevant.
“It gave me a lot to think about and chew on,” Middlebrooks said. “I went to engineering school, not business school.” Pursuing the later might be useful, but it’s expensive, he said. The shorter course of at HCC was more targeted.
His session’s cohorts provided each other ideas, expertise and critique. They represented a variety of small-to-substantial businesses -- from a manufacturer of beauty products to a research and development venture involved in government grants for scientifi c devices. And while their in-dustries were varied, their business challenges similar. The group contin-ues to network as part of the program’s continuing education.
One of the memorable class exercises had participants asking them-selves about their business’ “end game.” Sell it? Pass it to a family mem-ber?
While Middlebrooks found the brainstorming with cohorts helpful, the program’s “big deliverable” was the growth plan, he said. It addressed opportunities and where to seek fi nancing for it. That’s still in develop-ment, he said.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a $500 million national program designed to help small businesses in the U.S. create jobs and economic growth by providing entrepreneurs with a practical business education, access to capital and business support services. Applications for the next 10,000 Small Businesses class at Houston Community Col-lege are due on the 15th of every month. For information, visit http://sites.hccs.edu/10ksb/.
‘Growing beyond yourself ’ helps get others on boardby Cynthia Lescalleet
For The Leader
One of the most important as-pects of having your own business is the importance of sales. It goes without saying (but I will) that if you don’t believe in your product, why would anyone else – espe-cially if you want to them to spend money for your products.
Although some entrepreneurs are only interested in making or producing their product, you won’t have a successful business until someone sells something. It is just that simple. It does not mat-ter whether you are cutting grass or cutting hair, cooking burgers or painting walls you need to know how to sell.
There are fi ve key steps to a suc-cessful sales program. I call them the “Five P’s of Sales Perfection”.
1. Know your Product: You must know everything you can about your product. Start by identifying the “FAB’s”- Features, Advantages and Benefi ts of your products and services. Let’s use an automobile as an example:
• Features are the tangible facts and fi gures about your products. Think of colors, engine size and other specifi cs that might be im-portant to the buyer.
• Advantages are statements about what the product can do such as higher MPG and more aerodynamic, etc.
• Benefi ts are what the buyer buys. Convert the features and the advantages into a benefi t. For instance, the buyer of an auto-mobile with a smaller engine size (Feature) with higher MPG (Ad-vantage) benefi ts with higher fuel savings.
The buyer is buying the fuel savings, not the size of the engine! A plumber isn’t selling PVC pipe vs. galvanized pipe (does the cus-tomer really care?) but a plumbing system that won’t leak, forcing me to replace the carpet the afternoon
before a big dinner party!2. Know your Prospect: I am
amazed when I ask a client to de-fi ne or profi le their ideal customer and they are clueless. “Well,” they say, “I guess everybody could use my product. “ You must be more specifi c. I suggest that my clients identify 5-10 distinguishing char-acteristics of their ideal customer ranging from age and education to their title at work-or whether they do work. Look at your market three ways- Who can actually BUY (sign on the dotted line) your product? Who can INFLUENCE the buyer to buy? And, with whom can you PARTNER to reach either the In-fl uencer or the Buyer? Consider a situation with which we are all familiar- the grocery store check-out line: Mom (or Dad) is pushing the cart through the line and the youngster (we’ll call him Junior) in the cart spots candy or gum or something else equally enticing, on the counter. Junior wants the gum. Dad says “No”, but Junior is emphatic and pitches a fi t at which point Dad agrees to buy the gum-but it has to be sugar free!
What’s the point? Dad is obvi-ously the Buyer, but Junior is the Infl uencer on the Buyer. And the store manager is a strategic part-ner with the gum manufacturer to position the gum in just the right place. See how important it is to know that you are not selling to the buyer, but to the infl uencer in
this situation? This is a good time to talk about
the sales funnel. Keep identify-ing and developing prospects and moving them forward in the sales process. Not everyone you talk to will become a customer, but it’s for sure they won’t become a cus-tomer if you don’t make the effort! Keep putting new prospects into your sales funnel, developing the relationship so they will become a client. If it becomes apparent that they will NOT become a client, re-move them from the sales funnel and apply your time and attention to those who will. Too many sales people spend too much time with prospects that will never become a client!
3. Know your Position: Think of all the alternatives a buyer and infl uencer has when they look at your product or service. Put on your “customer hat” and ask your-self, “Why would I buy one prod-uct over another?” Many will an-swer that question with, “Because it costs less.” But that is not always the case.
If the pipes in the kid’s bath-room upstairs (over the formal dining room) just started leaking, price is not the concern. Time and attention to detail are much more important. And price becomes even less of an object when you have a big dinner party in the for-mal ding room tonight!
4. Parlay the objections: Some-times sales becomes a game that the buyer feels they must win. Regardless of price or time or any other issue it is important to an-ticipate and plan for every type of objection that the customer might raise. Knowing these “concerns” (whether real or perceived), may only be a mask for the real issues. After you’ve made your pitch, asked all the right questions and answered many more, they may
still respond with, “Thanks, but I need to think about it.” What does that mean? Think about what? Your response should be cautious and calculated (remember, you anticipated all the objections they might have!). Begin by asking them questions to see if you can identify where the real concerns are. Don’t become defensive, but address their concerns and try to get to the issues that are blocking the sale. (There’s an old saying in sales that the one asking the ques-tion is the one that is in charge of the conversation!)
5. Perform to the Max: It is one thing to sell, but another to insure that the products/services are delivered and the customer is pleased with the experience. Many sales people think their job is over when they turn in the Purchase Order for someone else to pro-duce and deliver. All they have left to do is pick up their commission check!
Wrong! Every sales person must remember the time and effort they invested in turning that pros-pect into a client. They can’t walk away from that. The truly success-ful sales person will nurture that relationship, insuring that the order arrived just as promised...and why? It is because they know that it is more expensive and time-consuming to develop a new client than to nurture a happy client that will come back to buy from you again.
Happy selling!
Ball, CME, CGBP, is senior con-sultant with the Lone Star College, Small Business Development Cen-ter. He provides free small business consulting from his offi ces at the North Harris and Victory Center Campuses. He can be reached at [email protected].
Use the fi ve Ps of sales perfectionDON
BALL
Small Business
Consultant, Lone
Star College
you know.”Cory calls the Heights location of Wonder-
wild their “fi rst home,” and Helman notes that a lot of the moms who come there have become friends.
Of course friends are going to tell you like it is. “People have a lot of opinions,” Cory said. “Every email, we take it to heart.”
They both get a kick out of the differences they see in the clientele at their two locations.
“In The Woodlands they are great ‘rule fol-lowers’,” said Helman. “Heights moms ask ‘why not’?”
Davila says that she is very aware of local opinion from both her neighbors and friends and from social media.
“My work comes home long after I leave the restaurant,” she said.
Looking to the future•Davila hopes to soon secure the restaurant’s
liquor license and then to add a bar in the space next door. Currently in its fi fth month of busi-ness, Frida Mexican Kitchen is still BYOB, but offers free margaritas Fridays and most eve-nings. She says she also wants to become more involved with fundraising and hosting com-munity events.
•Due in part to feedback they’ve received, Cory and Helman are scheduled to open a new Heights Wonderwild at the front of their com-plex, facing North Shepherd, in mid-June. It
will have twice the space as well as separate play areas for 8-and-under and 8-and-up. More in-formation about this will be available in The Leader’s family section later this month.
•Although weddings have provided the bulk of her business, Brock has been moving into other events. She provides the weekly fl owers for the acclaimed restaurant Uchi on Wes-theimer near Montrose and was recently named the in-house fl orist for Hilton Americas-Hous-ton next to the downtown convention center. She also wants to expand her gift shop in the long term.
“My desire is to offer a really great place for people to fi nd everything they need, like Ber-ing’s.”
Home Business • from Page 1B
PARTAY GARAGE creates a Cinderella story for Garages -- and decks, gazebos and outdoor kitch-ens.
The key to the patented system is a removable, walk- and see-through, climate- and bug-con-trolling curtain.
You can rent or buy a system for quick comfortable space, transpar-ent to the outdoors, without sacri-ficing parking.
The garage has been a stepchild of the home for decades, relegated perhaps to parking cars, but guar-anteed to become a burden with piles of stuff.
Garages, too, can be hot mug-gy, scary dungeons, especially in Houston summers.
Paul Reinhardt and PARTAY GARAGE will transform your garage into the belle of the ball, without removing its parking use-fulness.
One can buy a system to “Marry the Prince” for a Happily Ever Af-ter Garage or rent the system for a “Ball” (after which the chariot does turn back to a pumpkin, so to speak.)
Buy a two-car wide door starting at $579. Rentals are $250, which include air conditioning.
Experience PARTAY GARAGE –– even without a fairy godmother –– at the showroom, 728 W. 22nd between Shepherd-Durham from noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
One might ask, “How did this fairy tale begin?”
Houston-based PARTAY GA-RAGE was created as an affordable way to provide extra climate con-trolled space for entertaining.
There’s no need to compromise comfort when PARTAY GARAGE
can transform shade enhanced spaces such as garages, porches, gazebos, outdoor kitchens and decks to be heat- and humidity-free, plus allow easy access to the outdoors.
PARTAY GARAGE inventor Paul Reinhardt saw the need for this system and designed it so that others can also add space to their homes without moving. He envi-sions the popularity of the product growing from Houston nation-wide, even worldwide.
PARTAY GARAGE adds climate controlled space for a temporary party room or play room to ac-commodate guests for a multitude of functions. It, too, makes work-ing and just hanging out in the yard a joy.
Imagine ruling the weather, be-ing able to clean out the garage in comfort, adding a virtual front yard to a town home, getting the kids out of the house, having poker night with no smoke in the house, or no sweat prepping of plants for gardening –– dragging no mess inside.
Installation is quick and easy, with removable clear panel cur-tains, plus a climate control unit to provide the cooling or heat-ing necessary to stay comfortable. Once finished using the system, the space quickly converts back to its original use, and stores com-pactly to stay clean and last for many years of use.
Whether Renting or Purchas-ing, PARTAY GARAGE provides a simple, affordable method to maximize use of space without compromising comfort.
For more information about PARTAY GARAGE, visit www.
partaygarage.com, drop into the Heights showroom, or call 713-628-5554.
Mention The Leader for half-price rentals, to get your summer going.
Pamela Efferson’s commitment to client service, market knowl-edge, innovative marketing strate-gies and strong negotiating skills has ensured her recognition as a Top Producing Houston Real Es-tate Professional.
Her recognition by Texas Monthly Magazine as a Five Star Real Estate Agent for 2011, 2012 and 2013 was a defining moment in Pamela’s career as this award is given for outstanding customer service. In addition to this honor, Pamela has been recognized as a Real Estate Master’s Award Recipi-ent for highest sales volume for two consecutive years. She also has been recognized by Keller Williams Metropolitan Realty for the high-est number of completed transac-tions in a 12 month period.
Her innovative marketing strat-egies and utilization of the indus-try’s technology and marketing
tools get maximum exposure for her listings. This translates into quick, top dollar sales. Pamela con-tinues to add the personal touch to each transaction by listening to ev-ery detail and communicating ef-fectively with her clients. She spe-cializes in single family home sales, luxury homes, and other numer-ous types of real estate. Her goal is to put home buyers and sellers at ease knowing that she understands the constant changing market and its evolving consumer behavior.
Pamela’s marketing expertise encompasses, but is not limited to, the following neighborhoods and areas; West University, Bel-laire, Rice Military, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Timbergrove, Lazy-brook, Greater Houston Heights, Shady Acres, Memorial, Midtown, Energy Corridor as well as many more Houston Inner Loop and near Inner Loop neighborhoods.
As a Broker Associate – Realtor her professional designations include Accredited Seller’s Representative (ASR), Certified Seller’s Repre-sentative (CSR), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) and Seniors Real
Estate Specialist (SRES). Her pro-fessional affiliations include the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Texas Association of Real-tors (TAR), Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) and the Wom-en’s Council of Realtors (WCR).
Pamela’s vision has always been to take her passion for real estate and implement the highest level of customer service available in the industry. This vision combined with her market knowledge, strong negotiating skills and dedication to superior customer service have made Pamela a consistent Top Producing Houston Realtor.
For more information about Pamela Efferson, Broker Associate – Realtor, with PAMELA EFFER-SON PROPERTIES, Keller Wil-liams Metropolitan, her services, and available homes for sale, please call 713-822-8555 or email [email protected].
Page 3B • The Leader • May 4, 2013 • @heightsleader
Pamela Efferson, solid real estate proTHE SPOTLIGHT. Leader-area business owners who want you to know more
about what they do and how they’ll work for you.
PARTAY GARAGE transforms space like magic
Dorothy Miller, chair of the Near Northwest Management District and a member since 2001, has resigned, and the board is seeking to fill her seat and appoint a new chair.
The announcement Monday said Miller cited “personal reasons” for stepping down.
“On behalf of our board of directors and the staff, we sincerely thank Dorothy Miller for her significant contributions to the Management Dis-trict,” said James Kilpatrick, Near Northwest Management District Vice-Chair. “Ms. Miller has...provided leadership and guidance that have been key to our success.”
The Near Northwest Management District was created by the Texas Legislature to promote and coordinate economic growth and the health, safety and general welfare for a northwest Houston area bounded by T.C. Jester Boulevard on the east, Pinemont Drive on the south, Hollister Drive projected to State Highway 249 on the west and 249 on the north.
• Built-ins For Flat Screens • Repairs of All Kinds
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John Laney 713-870-8021Call for Spring Specials • References
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355 W. 19th ß 713.864.4411(Next door to Eclectic Home)
Page 4B • The Leader • May 4, 2013 • @heightsleader
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As you know, humans should visit their dentist twice a year for a dental cleaning and exam. Did you know once a year, your pet should visit the veterinarian for teeth cleaning too? Gum disease is the most common disease occur-ring in pets today. Plaque and tar-tar buildup can cause bad breath, bleeding, painful, irritated gums that affect eating and can even cause microscopic damage to the heart, liver and kidneys.
Most veterinary clinics offer dental cleaning services (if they do not, they can refer you to someone who does). Our own Oak Forest Veterinary Clinic (www.oakfor-estvetclinic.com) offers dental cleanings for both cats and dogs. The veterinarians at Oak Forest Veterinary Clinic will do an initial exam of your whole pet--not just their teeth (for $48.50). The con-dition of your pet’s teeth dictates the price for dental cleaning--be-ginning at $240 all the way up to $420, based on the condition of the teeth. This is really good incen-tive to take good care of your pet’s teeth at home in between profes-sional cleanings, isn’t it? So, what can you do to ensure the health of your pet’s chompers?
“Ideally, you should brush your pet’s teeth daily, using a special toothpaste, formulated especially for pets,” advises Dr. Johnathon Dodd, clinical professor at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine. If daily tooth-brushing doesn’t quite fi t into your busy schedule, luckily, there are pet treats on the market that promote
good dental health and can be used in between brushings. Visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s website (www.vohc.org) to see a comprehensive list of pet products that aid in dental care. Between regular tooth brushing, special, tooth-friendly treats, exams and cleanings from your veterinarian, maintaining the health of your pet’s mouth is a simple form of preventative care.
Things to do: Saturday, May 4Stop by the Houston Heights
Miniature Schnauzer Meet and Greet this Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 811 Yale St. to get ac-quainted with some sweet Schnau-zers in need of a home. What bet-ter way to start the summer than by bringing home a lovable pooch to read by the pool with?
Come over to IKEA this Satur-day (May 4) from 11am to 5pm for Friends For Life’s MEGA pet adoption event! The MAV (mobile adoption vehicle) will be stuffed full of furries in need of a home. There will be music, giveaways, vendors...all the cool people will be there!
Furry Head’s UpNew York Times bestselling au-
thor Gwen Cooper will be reading an excerpt from her book, “Love Saves the Day” and signing auto-graphs at Friends For Life Animal Shelter (107 E. 22nd Street 77008) on May 11.. There will be compli-mentary wine, nibbles and a free gift for the attendees.
Follow Molly @TheMollyDiaries on Twitter.
Congratulations to Lt. Col. Ronnie Doud Jr., son of Caro-lyn and Ronnie Doud Sr., who was promoted to colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Ronnie, the old-est of fi ve, was born and raised in Houston’s near-northside neigh-borhood of Lindale Park. He and his wife of more than 20 years, the former Carol Castillo of Oak For-est, are alumni of St. Pius X, class of 1986. After graduating from the University of Texas in 1991, he was commissioned a second lieu-tenant in the Air Force.
Doud has served on domestic bases and abroad in Germany, with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo. He’s been on headquarters staff at the Pentagon and commanded a squadron. Re-cently he was commander of the group at Andrews Air Force Base responsible for providing aircraft maintenance and supply support to the president, vice president, cabinet secretaries and other dignitaries worldwide on 16 air-craft. Currently he is director of procurement management at the Headquarters Defense Logistics Agency in Fort Belvoir, Va.
Friends of Madelon McDanel have organized a Cinco De Mayo Dog Walk fundraiser to help with her medical expenses. The walk will run 9 a.m.-noon May 5, starting and ending at What’s Up Cupcake, 632 W. 20th St., which is donating an after walk party
featuring a brunch for humans and treats for the canines. Those interested in donating can walk with sponsorships or can sponsor walkers. Entry fee is $10 for par-ticipants, who should bring their donations with them to the walk. For information, contact Linda Younger at [email protected].
Girl Scout Troop 24129 planted a butterfl y garden at Frank Black Middle School on April 13. This is part of a larger space which is being landscaped by parents and volunteers at Black. In prepara-tion, the girls toured the Oak For-est Elementary butterfl y garden with Nancy Grieg of the HMNS Cockrell Butterfl y Center and learned how to tag butterfl ies; viewed a movie about monarch migration; researched butterfl y host and nectar plants and pre-
pared the beds. The troop took on this project to provide a safe haven for monarchs, which are threatened by habitat loss, and to be of service to the community by beautifying the school. The gar-den will be an offi cial Monarch Waystation and contains 25 dif-ferent plant species.
Waltrip High School’s Robotic Team won fi rst place in the 2013 Underwater Robotic Competition with their ROV “Rambot.” This is Waltrip’s team’s second year in a row to win fi rst place in the state level of this national competition, and the team will now move on to compete in Seattle, Wash. Sean
Russell is the only returning team member. Coach Stephanie “Spoony” Witherspoon and team members Joshua Benton, Jeremi-ah Miller, Andrew Kain, Brooke Welch, Aly Murrell, Amanda Ed-wards, Joey Townsand, NayJeah Pridgen and team mentors John Deasaulos and Tyler Townsend are new to Waltrip robotics and the competition.
Happy birthday to just a few of our neighbors who celebrated birthdays in April: John Henry, Tommye Welch, Miguel Facun-do, Sr., Emily Roberts, and Kelly Saldivar. Wishing you many more happy birthdays. Cheers!
For physician referral, call 713.222.CARE (2273) or visit memorialhermann.org.
Ranked among Nation’s Top 5 Large Health Systems according to 15 Top Health Systems® study by Truven Health*
�Ranked among America’s 50 Best Hospitals™ by Healthgrades® four consecutive years (2010–2013)**
�Ranked among the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Truven Health* five consecutive years (2009–2013)**
�Recognized by Joint Commissions Disease-Specific
care certification program in joint replacement for hip and knee�
Cancer program accredited with commendationby the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer
�Awarded Maternity Care Excellence Award and Women’s Health Excellence Award by Healthgrades®
�Recognized as an accredited Chest Pain Center by the Society of Chest Pain Centers
*As part of the Memorial Hermann Health System**As part of the Memorial Hermann Health System: The Woodlands, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest hospitals.
CONTINUALLY RECOGNIZED FOR DELIVERING A
HIGHER LEVEL OF CAREIn our quest for healthcare excellence, Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital
sets the standard. And continuously striving to earn the most acclaimedaccreditations ensures we keep redefining that standard.
MollyDiaries
The
Neighbors: Ronnie Doud moving up in Air Force
Lt. Col. Ronnie Doud Jr.
Chew on this helpful infoby Molly Sue McGillicutty@TheMollyDiaries
WANT TO BUY WANT TO BUY WANT TO BUY WANT TO BUY WANT TO BUY WANT TO BUY WANT TO BUY
THE CLASSIFIEDS.THE CWanting to run a classifi ed ad? CALL 713-686-8494 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards.
NEW - USED - CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED HYUNDAI’S and other vehicles. Call Ken W. Johnson, Certifi ed Sales Consultant today. Direct 713-335-4314, Cell 832-309-3340. (5-18)
AUTOSERVICES
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ACCIDENTS HAPPEN.Fortunately, The Leader Classifieds is your one stop source for ALL your auto needs.
To advertise give us a call.
713-686-8494
Have a strong opinion about something that’s going on in your neighborhood? Share your thoughts with thousands by e-mailing us a Letter To The Editor to [email protected].
ANTIQUES & COL LECT I BLES
ANTIQUES BY NANCY: Two locations. 832-282-8108, www.antiquesbynancy.com. Furniture, jewelry, chandeliers. (5-11)
COM PUT ERS
Home, Small Of ceComputer RepairUpgrades, Installation,
Con guration(Virus-Removal)
Home - NetWorking832-818-4970
We offer Mobile Repairs
COMPUTERPROBLEMS?
832.641.6786Mr. PC Computer
It’s easy to place a Leader clas-sifi ed. Just call us and charge it to your credit card.
SEWING
ALTERATIONS: Reasonable. Pick up and delivery. Charlotte, 713-694-0003. (TF)
WANT TO BUY X-LARGE DOG KENNEL: Black,
polycoated, wire, collapsible. Must be large enough for 100 lb. dog. Please call 713-695-9424 and leave a message. (TF)
TOP CASH PAID FOR YOUR GUNS: FFL concealed handgun classes. 713-694-4867. (TF)
WE BUY ONE TOUCH ULTRA STRIPS: $22 for 100 count box. 281-764-9615. www.selldiabet-icstrips.com.
WORKWANT ED
QUICK TRASHHAULING
713-529-4174713-723-9689
7 DAYS
ASKFOR JAMES
• Garage Cleaning • Lots Tree Cutting • Fence
Debris Removal • DemolishFree Estimates • All Concrete
Oil and filter changes, tire mounting and minor repairs. Pick up parts and shuttle customers.
Must have good driving record. Mon-Fri 7am-6pm Harting Automotive
713-688-0967
General Service Tech/Driver
Experienced ASE Tech
Harting Automotive 713-688-0967
Must have good driving record and own toolsMon-Fri 7:00am to 6:00pm
Page 5B • The Leader • May 4, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com
ADULT CARE
SPECIALOCCASIONS
DRIVERS - CDL-BGreat Pay, Hometime!
No-Forced Dispatch! New Singles from Houston to
surrounding states. Apply: www.truckmovers.com
or: 1-866-224-8948
Local hauling/home daily. Paid weekly. Paid Orientation. Ex-cellent benefits package. Quarterly Safety and Performance bonus. Class A-CDL-X with T/T experience required Visit us online @: www.mipe.com Or in person at: 8450 Mosley Road HOUSTON, TX 77075 John Payne 832/615-0708
GROWING AGAIN!! IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR
GASOLINE DRIVERS
Drivers: Want a Professional Career? Haul Flatbed/OD Loads for
Owners of this nice Oak Forest homeloved to travel, collect & read! LOTSof books (coffee table, art, reference,etc), English linen-fold drop-frontdesk, large cabinet with small draw-ers for collections, 4 signed Frenchrooster-carved chairs, lots of book-cases, fabulous carved Mexicanchest & Indonesian camphorwoodchest, Murano glass, LOTS of col-lectibles (hens, roosters, mini birdhouses, Asian, paperweights, animalfigurines, Lenox Castles of the World,Eskimo carvings, Indonesian masks,etc.), Villeroy & Boch china, MORE!
MAY 3-4 • 9AM-5PMESTATE SALE5004 KATY FREEWAY (77007)
North side I-10, west of N. ShepherdRogerHowardEstateSales.com
Further reductions on all estateproperty from previous sales movedto our warehouse for final liquida-tion. Furniture for every room, MidCentury Mod & vintage, antiques,fine jewelry, china, glass, ceramics,crystal, chandeliers, lighting, Asianfurniture & decor, original art & fineprints, mirrors, collectibles, Orientalrugs, store display cases, dolls, fig-urines, books, all kinds of decor &unusual treasures & MUCH MORE!
If you visited a garage sale on Friday, April 26th at 2314 Brooktree, we are missing
several switch keys which belonged to my dad who was a railroad employee for many
years. These do no have any monetary value to us, but great sentimental value
and are among just a few items we have to remember him by.
If you have them, please mail them to 2314 Brooktree, Houston, TX 77008.
No questions asked. Thank you.
ATTENTION
CUTTEN GREEN SUBDIVISION SALE: Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m. Off Beltway 8, north on Hollister. Left on Brittany Park Lane.
GARAGE SALE: Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 4700 Norhill. Three families. Lots of stuff.
SKILL SAW WITH THREE BLADES, one for metal, $125; 220 V electric heater for work-shop, $60; compressor and tank, $60; large electric KitchenAid washer and dryer, $600; small refrigerator, $75; small jack with two stands, $100; large jack needing repair, $125; maple antique hall bench, $85; Hoover vacuum cleaner, $35; Kimball player piano, $45. 713-862-6594. (5-25)
FOUR BROOKSIDE CEMETERY PLOTS FOR SALE: Spaces 3, 4, 5 and 6, Lot 196, Section 9. Call 281-610-1973 for informa-tion. (5-25)
DINING TABLE WITH CHINA CABINET, $165; generator, 5,500 watts. 281-655-0848.
BLUE MOON ANTIQUES: An-tiques and collectibles. We do estate sales. 3311 Ella. 832-286-7882. www.bluemoonantiques-houston.com. (TF)
WE BUY/SELL GUNS: Top cash paid. FFL concealed handgun classes. 713-694-4867. (TF)
TUPPERWARE AVAILABLE: Call JoAnn Lord at 281-923-3729. (TF)
MOVING IN/MOVING OUT? Call Frank to haul off trash/junk. 281-312-9795. (TF)
BRUNO CHAIRLIFT, $300 or best offer. Call 832-483-9865 for more information.
Purchasing / Inventory Clerk Primary responsi-bilities: receiving, inspecting and distribution of supplies and raw materials, maintaining organization and cleanli-ness of the storage and staging areas. Type 30 WPM. Daily mail run in company van. Must have Texas Drivers License in good standing. $9.00 hr. Production Engraver/Linker Light assembly posi-tion - typing 30 WPM, will train to run engraving machine, polish and link, must know and use standard and metric measurements. Good with hands, repetitive movements, dependable, team player, $10.00 hr. Shipping /Mail Clerk/Quality Control Respon-sibilities: will train to inspect products, pack, ship, label and mail according to guidelines, typing 25 to 30 wpm. $10.00 hr.
All positions Mon – Fri, 8am to 5pm with overtime. High School diploma required.
Apply between 3-5pm at
NOW HIRING!
��������������465B T.C. Jester Blvd - 77007
EXPERIENCED PREP/GRILL COOK
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Highway Transport Chemical: $500 Sign On Bonus! Regional Company Drivers Neededin the Houston area. Highway Transport Offers: Paid
Orientation, Excellent Benefits, Out and Back runs-500 miles or less. Great Home Time. Requirements: 18
months Tractor Trailer experience. CDL-A with Tanker and Hazmat. TWIC Assistance Available.
ANIMAL LOVERS NEEDED to volunteer at no kill animal shelter in the Heights. Download volun-teer application at www.nokill1.org or visit us in person at 107 E. 22nd Street, Tuesday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. (TF)
BUS DRIVERS NEEDED FOR CHURCH SHUTTLE: Approxi-mately six hours a week. Must have CDL and passenger en-dorsement. Call 713-681-3600. (TF)
MECHANIC WITH EXPERIENCE on Econoline vans needed. Ex-perience with A/C, alternators, brakes and suspension. Tools required. Salary commensurate with experience. 713-681-3600. (TF)
COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING COMPANY is currently looking for a licensed chemical applicator with a valid Texas license. Good salary and benefits. For more information, please call 713-688-2435 or apply at 2048 Johanna Dr. We are an equal opportunity employer. (S) (5-4)
HAIRDRESSER NEEDED WITH FOLLOWING ONLY: Garden Oaks area. Busy shop. Some benefits included. 713-252-2836.
COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING COMPANY is currently looking for leadmen with minimum one year of experience. For more information, please call 713-688-2435 or apply at 2048 Johanna Dr. We are an equal opportunity employer. (S) (5-4)
24/7 ANSWERING SERVICE seeking a (Spanish) bilingual representative with call center customer service experience. Employment Line. 713-866-4490. (5-18)
COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING COMPANY is currently looking for English speaking foreman with one year+ of experience. Good salary and benefits. For more information, please call 713-688-2435 or apply at 2048 Johanna Dr. We are an equal op-portunity employer. (S) (5-4)
CHARMING VENUE FOR YOUR NEXT GATHERING: Houston Heights Woman’s Club’s His-toric Bungalow, perfect for small events. Recitals, luncheons, fundraisers — events up to 100 people. Grand piano, stage, round tables, small catering kitchen. Call Lizz Martin, 281-217-6070, regarding this Heights landmark. (TF)
FIND YOUR FRIEND FOR LIFE: Adopt or foster a shelter animal. www.nokill1.org. (TF)
MALE CHIHUAHUA: Five years old. Not recommended for little children. Great lap dog for adults. 832-892-7245.
We have a small staff here at The Leader, so sometimes we don’t know about everything that’s going on in our area. If there’s something of concern in your neighborhood, please let our editor know and we’ll follow up on it.
You simply can’t fi nd a bet-ter advertising value than The Leader.
No matter what it is you’ve got to sell, there are Leader readers out there interested in buying it.
Page 6B • The Leader •May 4, 2013 • @heightsleader
REALESTATE
Your House CouldBe Worth A
Lot More ThanYou Think!
Do you wonder what your home is worth? Call your neighborhood Specialist for A
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GOT LEAKS? NEED REPAIR?Did you know you could still le a claim under Hurricane Ike? Call now for a FREE Inspec-tion with an insurance claims specialist.
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713-703-8488 Jim “God Bless America”
QUALITY CONCRETE WORK
• Painting • Ceiling Fans & Lights• Drywall • Carpentry • General Repairs• Door Locks
References • Heights Home Owner
713-248-0763
LET��������
HELP YOU WITH SPRING FIX-IT LIST
NEED A NEW COAT?From a new coat of paint
to a total remodel. Turn to the Leader
Classifi eds to turn your home
improvment plans into a reality.
713-686-8494To Advertise Give Us A Call
APPLIANCE & TV REPAIR APPLIANCE & TV REPAIR APPLIANCE & TV REPAIR APPLIANCE & TV REPAIR APPLIANCE & TV REPAIR APPLIANCE & TV REPAIR APPLIANCE & TV REPAIR
HOUSE FOR SALE: 910 E. Wel-lington, 77076. 3-2, as is. $58,000 cash. 281-379-7079.
12’X30’ CARPORTS: Perfect for boats, RVs, etc. Call 713-694-4647. (TF)
OAK FOREST APARTMENT FOR RENT: Two bedrooms with laundry room and private patio area. 713-213-4530, 713-686-3011. (TF)
FAIR PRICES ON CARPET/FLOORING SALES, INSTALLA-TION AND REPAIR: Thirty-fi ve years experience. Carpet, hard-woods, vinyl, ceramic tile. Carpet shampoo and restretch carpet. Dry cleaning now available. 713-582-5500. (TF)
HANDYMAN: Build, repair fences, garage doors or decks. Carpentry — install Hardi-plank, cabinets, windows, doors, locks. Painting, home theater set up. 35+ year Oak Forest resident. Call David, 713-688-1839, leave name and number.
HEIGHTS GARAGE APART-MENT: One bedroom, $525 + deposit, utilities and references. 512-924-4757, 512-491-0279. (5-11)
HOUSE FOR LEASE: 3-1-1, fenced back yard. Conveniently located in north Houston, I-45/Tidwell. $900 monthly, $900 deposit. Credit report required. Open house May 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 210-387-3756.
Most of us that bring you The Leader live right here in your community and we appreci-ate you reading it every week. Thanks.
FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT
Page 7B • The Leader • May 4, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com
Waltrip High senior shortstop Jonathan Juarez (No. 3) has played a key role in the Rams’ success this spring. (Photo by GulfCoastShots.com)
Clutch performer
Waltrip High senior shortstop Jonathan Juarez always steps up his game when facing archrival, Reagan High.
On April 19, Juarez finished with four stolen bases, three hits and two RBI in a 6-3 win over the Bulldogs.
Exactly a month earlier, Juarez
delivered the game-winning RBI single in a 1-0, 11 inning victory over RHS. During that game, he also asked classmate Edith Anaya to the prom, and she said yes.
“That was a big highlight,” Juarez said. “(Defeating Reagan) means a lot to us. We beat them in front of all these people.”
Juarez’s performance is a big reason why the Rams finished second in competitive Class 4A-District 21. Along with 12 fellow seniors, he’s part of a Waltrip team that faced Fort Bend Ridge Point in a first round series of the UIL Class 4A playoffs earlier this week. Results were not available at press time.
“He has a great deal of knowl-edge about the game,” Waltrip first-year head coach Mike Evans said of Juarez. “He understands the small things you have to do to be successful. He’s very composed and leads the younger guys.”
Juarez, 19, had a strong baseball foundation before he set foot on the Waltrip campus in the sum-mer of 2009.
At age 4, Juarez was playing T-Ball at Heights-Norhill Little League.
“It prepared me real well and got me to play where I am right now,” Juarez said.
He furthered his baseball career by playing for one of the best se-lect teams in Greater Houston -- the Banditos.
“That was one of the best expe-riences,” Juarez said. “My coach-es were ex-MLB players, so the coaching style I had was great. They taught me so much about fundamentals and baseball.”
A four-year varsity player, Juarez loves playing shortstop and hopes to continue his career and study Business Management at Texas College, an NAIA school in Tyler.
“The shortstop is the key player
of the game,” Juarez said. “You run the game at your pace.”
Before he heads to East Texas, Juarez is determined to lead the Rams on a playoff run.
“We have potential,” he said. “If our team stays together and if we play the same way we did against Reagan, we could go far.”
Pius grad competes for playing time on UH offensive line
As the University of Houston begins a new era in its football history, red-shirt freshman offensive lineman Hank Granda -- a 2012 St. Pius X graduate -- is excited about the Cougars’ future.
Houston will debut this fall in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), which was known from 1979-2013 as the Big East Conference.
The new Houston Cougars stadium will open on the site of what was Rob-ertson Stadium in fall 2014.
“It’s going to be great,” Granda said. “I’ll get to play in it for three years.”
While they’re waiting for their new digs, the Coogs will play their seven home games at Reliant Stadium.
“Playing in a professional stadium gives you the feel an NFL player would have,” Granda said.
A native of Mandeville, La., Granda grew up in Louisiana and Il-
@HouSportsLeader on Twitter for playoff updates after deadline.
FIRST ROUNDUIL 3AStafford at Scarborough (Butler)UIL 4AReagan at TomballWaltrip vs. Ridge Point (three game
series)TAPPS 5ASt. Pius X 10, Fort Worth Nolan 0San Antonio Central at St. Thomas
Page 8B • The Leader • May 4, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com
linois before moving to midtown Houston before his freshman year at St. Pius X.
A four-year varsity offensive lineman, Granda played for three head coaches in four years -- Rob-in Kirk, Jason Kimball and Blake Ware.
The 6-foot-3 1/2 inch, 285-pound lineman was heavily re-cruited as a junior, but the atten-tion subsided when he hurt his knee and needed reconstructive surgery.
Northwestern (La.) State offered Granda an academic scholarship, but he wanted to stay in his new hometown of Houston, so he ac-cepted an opportunity to join the Cougars as a preferred walk-on.
“It was my dream,” Granda said. “to play Division I football.”
He redshirted last fall as the Cougars spent time gaining mus-cle and setting new personal bests in the weight room.
“(College football) is more of a job than anything, but it’s a job you grow to love,” Granda said. “It’s more intense, the speed is quicker. Not only do you have to love the sport, you have to be com-pletely dedicated to it.”
After being left tackle and junior for SPX, Granda is a left guard for UH and trying to climb the depth charts, which are top-heavy with seniors at offensive lineman.
At St. Pius X, Granda threw the shot put and competed on the wrestling team. He enjoyed block-ing for All-American quarterback Kohl Stewart, a Texas A&M signee in football and baseball who’s pro-
jected to be a top MLB draft pick in June.
“Kohl is a phenomenal athlete and a great kid,” Granda said. “Blocking for an athlete like that is almost an honor. He’s going to do great things. I’m looking forward to see what he does.”
Granda is studying supply chain management at UH, and he’d like to work in the oil and gas industry someday.
The Cougars will open the sea-son on Aug. 30 vs. Southern (La.) University at Reliant Stadium. The following weekend, they’ll play their first-ever AAC game at Temple in Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field -- home of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Granda • from Page 7B
power, Tomball, 18-0, in the first round of the playoffs last Friday.
The seniors provided leadership on the mound -- and beyond. Ro-driguez also played shortstop and outfielder, while Flores played first base and third base.
“I enjoyed pitching,” said Flores.
Rodriguez agreed, saying she enjoyed “being in control of the game.”
Whenever Flores had to work part-time at Harco Insurance, Ro-driguez would play in her place -- at practice or in a game.
The duo won three district championships in four seasons,
and they’re both considering play-ing college softball at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, a Division I mem-ber of the Southland Conference.
“It will be very hard to fill their shoes,” Waltrip coach Darcy Ruffi-no said. “They have great bats, and they’re great leaders. They carried us the whole four years.”
Softball• from Page 7B
Bell, Mala finish fifth at state tennisSt. Pius X tennis players Michael
Bell and Lisette Mala finished fifth in the boys and girls , respectively, at the TAPPS 5A State Tourna-ment last week in Waco.
SPX’s Guillaume Goodrich fin-ished ninth in the boys tourna-ment, helping the SPX boys to a seventh place finish of 17 teams.
The Lady Panthers finished 10th out of 17 teams.
Reagan softball’s season endsThe Lady Bulldogs’ dream sea-
son ended last Saturday with an 11-0, 12-0 sweep at the hands of Stratford in the first round of the UIL Class 4A playoffs.
RHS swept Waltrip for the first
time in school history.Pius softball playoffsThe St. Pius X softball team
opened playoff competition on Wednesday against San Antonio Providence. Results were not avail-able at press time.
Follow @HouSportsLeader for updates on the team’s progress.
The Lutheran High North baseball team had a challenging season, but Lions first-year head coach Homer Garza sees hope for the the future.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” Garza said. “There’s a lot of positives. The kids have improved a lot. It’s tough for ninth graders to play against juniors and seniors.”
The Lions didn’t win a game this spring, but their 11-player roster is much smaller than most of their opponents.
They don’t have any seniors. There are two juniors -- catcher/pitcher/outfielder/first baseman Ryan D’Olive and pitcher/short-stop/second baseman Colby Ful-len, but only D’Olive and sopho-more shortstop Trey Hecker played on last year’s team.
On top of that, the Lions played seven freshmen this season.
“I think six of the seven have never played baseball before,” said Garza, who’s son, Orlando, is the team’s first baseman.
Because there are four basket-ball players on the team, LHN didn’t play its first baseball game until Feb. 20.
The games hadn’t been close, said Garza, who previously coached in the Cy-Fair Sports As-sociation and works full-time as an electrical contractor.
His assistant coach is Elanis Westbrooks, a 1983 Bellaire High graduate who played baseball for
the University of Texas and in the San Francisco Giants’ farm sys-tem.
Hecker enjoyed aspects of be-ing on the team but said the group must collectively work on its “fielding and batting” during the offseason.
D’Olive, who travels to Houston from Porter to attend LHN, said
the season proved to be a learning experience.
“It was a new opportunity for me -- I’d never pitched, caught or played first base,” D’Olive said. “Just the experience of the game you learn stuff every single time you’re out here. Hopefully, with summer training, we’ll be able to pull off more double plays.”
����������������������
7151 Fairbanks N. Houston(1 mile North of HWY 290)
Always call your Vet if you have any concerns or questions
(713)-937-7274W W W . F A I R B A N K S . V E T S U I T E . C O M
Feline Heartworm Disease Studies conducted in the Texas and Gulf Coast areas have indicated a surprising presence of heartworm infection in cats. The endemic prevalence of canine heartworm disease and our hungry mosquito population (the carrier of Heartworm disease) lead us to believe that this problem will continue to affect cats in our area.A few good reasons to use a preventative heartworm medication for cats: • Feline heartworm disease is very diffi cult to diagnose • Feline heartworm disease is not easily or safely treated • Feline heartworm disease affects both indoor and outdoor cats • Feline heartworm is 100% preventable • Unlike dogs, No Prior Blood Tests are required before starting Feline RevolutionThe American Heartworm Society recommends pet owners be made aware of the potentially serious consequences of heartworm infections in cats. Sudden death is a common symptom.Starting your cat on a once-a-month topical heartworm preventative is the easiest and most effective way to prevent this life threatening disease. We recommend Revolution as our product of choice in preventing feline heartworm disease. In addition to preventing heartworms, Revolution also controls fl eas, fl ea eggs & larva, ear mites, round worms and hookworms. (Recommended by Centers for Disease Control). If you have any questions about Feline Heartworm Disease or if you would like to start your cat on Revolution please call.
050413
LHN building on diamond for ’14by Michael Sudhalter